Best in Class: Racecourses in their Communities

This free-to-attend webinar explored finalists from the Community Award category at November’s Racecourse Association (RCA) Showcase & Awards. Hear from those closest to the programmes about the why, the how and the impact. The panel was hosted by Matthew Jones from the RCA.

Apologies for issues with Debbie's sound in the first half.

Meet the Panel:

Sarah Drabwell – The Jockey Club (Sandown Park)

After a 20-year career in finance, six of those as Finance Director of Epsom, Sandown and Kempton Park, Sarah took the helm of Sandown Park three years ago. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to engage and support the local community, culminating in the launch of the Community Fund for Elmbridge to coincide with Sandown Park’s 150th birthday. This fund provides a focal point for local fundraising and has just made its first awards to four worthy local causes.

This initiative earned Sandown Park recognition from the House of Commons, and has also seen profit return to pre-COVID levels, proving that CSR is not a nice to have, but a business fundamental.

Sarah is also a Trustee of the British Racing School and is passionate about providing opportunities for young people to achieve their full potential regardless of their background.

Debbie Powell – Cotswold Riding for the Disabled

Debbie has worked in the equine industry all her life. Having qualified as a British Horse society Intermediate instructor, she went on to manage several equine yards. Teaching, Schooling, and competing for several people up to advance in dressage. Debbie is currently the General Manager at Cotswold Riding for the Disabled, based at Cheltenham Racecourse and is now in her 15th year working for them.   

Grant Rowley – The Jockey Club

Grant Rowley is the Strategic Communications Lead for Jockey Club Racecourses. Grant joined The Jockey Club in 2014 after spending three years working as Communications Manager at Liverpool FC where his responsibilities included promoting the Club’s community engagement activity through the Liverpool FC Foundation and managing First Team and Academy player appearances. Grant has led the communications for several Grand National and Cheltenham Festivals and set up The Aintree Community Programme, which has been fortunate to win the ‘Racing Together Community Award’ four times. He is now focussed on delivering the social impact strategy for all racecourses across The Jockey Club and leading on welfare communications as well. Grant has a passion for using sport for the good and enjoys watching and playing all sports, as well as being an avid Liverpool FC fan.